Technological advancement in agro-forestry systems: Strategy for climate smart agricultural ...

303 Pages·2016·7.35 MB·English

Technological advancement in agro-forestry systems:
Strategy for climate smart agricultural technologies in
SAARC Region

Edited by
Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung
Karma Jigme Temphel

December 2015

SAARC Agriculture Centre
Dhaka, Bangladesh
SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC)
BARC Complex, Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
Phone: + 880-2-58153152; Fax: + 880-2-91245996
Web: www.saarcagri.org.bd

© 2015 SAARC Agriculture Centre
Published in December 2015

All Right Reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise without prior
permission of the publisher.

ISBN: 978-984-34-0622-4

Citation: Gurung, T.R. and Temphel, K.J., (Eds). 2015. Technological advancement in
agroforestry systems: Strategy for climate smart agricultural technologies in SAARC
Region.

Compiled by
Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung, Senior Program Specialist (NRM)

Edited by
Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung, Senior Program Specialist (NRM), SAC
Karma Jigme Temphel, PFM Specialist, SFC

Cover Design: Dr.Tayan Raj Gurung, Senior Program Specialist (NRM)

Price
US$. 20.00 for SAARC Countries
US$. 50.00 for other countries

Printed at
Natundhara Printing Press
Phone : [phone]
Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The SAC hereby disclaim any liability to party for any conflicting
information or error, considering that all the papers included in this compilation comes
from the National focal points and invited authors.
ii
Foreword
The presence of trees in backyard and within the agriculture
field is unique in the farms in South Asia. Agroforestry has not
only displayed the inevitable association between men and
forest, but also truly helped to sustain farming systems in
formidable conditions in the region. It also provides a
harmonious balance between food production and
environmental protection. In this context, soil and water
conservation is an important strategy for sustainable crop
production and environmental conservation. Assortment of
agroforestry systems has evolved in response to pressure of
population on land, technological options and market changes.
Traditional knowledge on integration of trees in the farm is so rich in the SAARC Region.
All the eight SAARC Member States cover wide range of agro ecological zones, and
people have been practicing trees in farm for generations.
Agroforestry systems promotes increased engagement of people in forestry management
through participatory forestry management strategies, the role of people in developing
and applying REDD+ mechanisms has become fundamental. In view of the dynamic
socio-ecological interaction and benefits offered by agroforestry, it can be a basis for
evolving climate smart agricultural technologies that is able to fulfill the social, economic
and environmental benefits for land users at all levels. Agro-forestry is emerging as an
enduring technology with ability to help socio-ecological systems develop resilience in
the face of changing weather patterns.
When SAC initiated the program on “Technological advancement in agro-forestry
systems: Strategy for Climate Smart Agriculture technologies in SAARC Countries”, it
was overwhelming to see the support of Central Agroforesty Research Institute (CAFRI),
Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR), and World Agroforestry Centre-South
Asia Office (WAC).
This book titled “Technological advancement in agro-forestry systems: Strategy for
Climate Smart Agriculture technologies in SAARC Countries” is a comprehensive
compilation of agroforestry information from 8 SAARC Countries. I would like to take
this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung, Senior
Program Specialist (NRM), SAARC Agriculture Centre and Mr. Karma Jigme Temphel,
PFM Specialist, SAARC Forestry Centre who tirelessly worked through to put together
the manuscript. I am confident that this compilation will facilitate further research and
development in agroforestry in SAARC Region.
Dr. S. M. Bokhtiar
Director
SAARC Agriculture Centre
Dhaka, Bangladesh

iii
Executive Summary
The integration of forest ecosystems into agriculture and social landscape is
ingrained into the socio-ecological fabrics of South Asian farming community
over centuries. It has not only displayed the inevitable association between men
and forest, but also helped to sustain farming systems in formidable conditions in
the region. The presence of trees in backyard and within the agriculture field is
unique in the farms in South Asia. Agro-forestry is referred as a dynamic,
ecologically based, natural resource management system that, through the
integration of trees on farms and in the agricultural landscape, diversifies and
sustains production for increased social, economic and environmental benefits for
land users at all levels (ICRAF 1996, FAO, 2008). The management of complex
agroforestry systems is largely dependent on the optimization of both ecological
and social processes (Boni et al., 2004). Among the priority areas to consider in
the practice of agroforestry is the harmonious balance between food production
and environmental protection. In this context, soil and water conservation is an
important strategy for sustainable crop production and environmental
conservation. According to Dennis Garrity (1993), assortment of agroforestry
systems has evolved in response to pressure of population on land, technological
options and market changes.
Traditional knowledge on integration of trees in the farm is extensive in the
SAARC Region. All the eight SAARC Member States cover wide range of agro
ecological zones, and people have been practicing growing trees in farm for
generations. Agro-forestry is therefore seen as a means of not only improving
people’s livelihoods through the supply of fruits, timber, fodder and fertilizer and
therefore higher incomes, but also in stabilizing erosion, replenishing soils,
storing carbon and enhancing on-farm biodiversity. In the present day context,
contribution of agroforestry to the mitigation of climate change (through carbon
sequestration) is of particular relevance at present as countries attempt to
negotiate a mechanism for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest
degradation (REDD+).
With the increased engagement of people in forestry management through
participatory forestry management strategies, the role of people in developing and
applying REDD+ mechanisms has become fundamental. In view of the dynamic
socio-ecological interactions and benefits offered by agroforestry, it can be a basis
for evolving climate smart agricultural technologies that is able to fulfill the social,
economic and environmental benefits for land users at all levels. Agro-forestry is
emerging as an enduring technology with ability to help socio-ecological systems
develop resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.
In view of the evolution of agro-forestry systems, SAARC Agriculture Centre
(SAC) and SAARC Forestry Centre (SFC) initiated a SAARC Regional
iv
consultation to document the technological advancement in agro-forestry
practices and assess its relevance as climate smart technologies. The specific
objectives of the initiative were as follows:
 To document the innovative agroforestry practices under the influence of
changes (climate, socio-economic, governance) in SAARC Countries
 To assess the productive and environmental functions of trees in agriculture
landscape and its contribution to food security and poverty alleviation
 To identify emerging issues and propose strategies to develop agroforestry
This compilation is organized in ten chapters. The first chapter is the synthesis of
the country papers and provide brief descriptions of agroforestry scenario in
respective countries. The country papers as received from the national focal points
are included in Chapter 2 to 9 in alphabetical order. The final chapter (10)
presents the issues and recommendations drawn from the regional consultation
meeting. Some of the pertinent issues raised are as follows:
- Absence of policy specific on agroforestry in many Member States
- Limited awareness about agroforestry
- Shortage of extension personals in the field of agroforestry
- Unorganized structure of agroforestry institutions and agriculture departments
- Poor technology dissemination and adoption
- Need for network on SAARC agroforestry for technology dissemination
The consultation meeting also made some recommedations related to policy,
research and extension.
1. Policy
 Formulation of Agroforestry Policy/Framework/Guidelines for all SAARC
countries
2. Research
 Complete inventory of existing AFS in all the SAARC countries (D&D
Analysis)
 Identification of suitable climate smart agroforestry practices for different
SAARC countries.
 SAARC regional coordinated project on AF in line with AICRP on
Agroforestry in India
 Agroforestry intervention for watershed management (water harvesting
,storage, application and management, and participatory watershed
management approach)
 Research on fodder species and livestock that can be integrated into
agroforestry system
 Energy Smart Agroforestry (Biofuel – Jatropha, Pongamia, Madhuca,
Simaruba, and bioenergy- Fuelwood, Gasifiers)
v
3. Extension and Training
 Training of extension in agroforestry and AF based watershed management
 Technology dissemination through field visits, exhibitions, and on farm trials
 Organize mass media: radio talks, Kisan call center, leaflets and news papers
 Training on D&D analysis
 Methodology to quantify Ecosystem services
 Training on conservation agriculture with trees, integration of trees and their
management in agriculture, and biofuels-bioenergy
 Technology dissemination and adoption of smart and successful agroforestry
technologies
 Establish network and website creation like SAAN (South Asia Agroforestry
Network)
It was also decided that the following institutions of the respective Member States
will be involved in preparation of Agrofrestry Diagnosis and Design (D&D) .
 Institute under Ministry of Agriculture Afghanistan
 OFRD, BARI Bangladesh ,
 MoFA Maldives
 RNRC, Yusipang ,Bhutan
 DoF, Sri Lanka
 CAFRI India – Technical support
 Dept of Agriculture- Nepal
 PARC –Pakistan
Considering the capacity of the national program, the involvement of following
agencies wll be vital to facilitate agroforestry research and development.
• Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi
• Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, India
• World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)
• KVK based systems with agroforestry expert
• NGOs like Bhartiya Agro-industry Foundation
• Private industries: WIMCO, ITC Paper ltd, BILT Paper board
• International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
• FAO
• SAARC

vi
Content

Foreword iii
Executive Summary iv
Chapter 1 Technological advancement in agro-forestry systems: strategy
for climate smart agricultural technologies in SAARC region 1
Chapter 2 Technological advancement in agro-forestry systems:
strategy for climate smart agricultural technologies
in SAARC countries in Afghanistan 45
Chapter 3 Technological advancement in agro-forestry systems:
strategy for climate smart agricultural technologies
in Bangladesh 53
Chapter 4 Technological advancement in agroforestry systems:
strategy for climate smart agriculture technologies in Bhutan 98
Chapter 5 Technological advancement in agroforestry system:
strategy for climate smart agriculture technology in India 133
Chapter 6 Technological advancement in agro-forestry systems:
strategy for climate smart agriculture technologies in Maldives 173
Chapter 7 Technological advancement in agroforestry systems:
strategy for climate smart agriculture technologies in Nepal 203
Chapter 8 Technological advancement in agro-forestry systems:
strategy for climate smart agriculture technologies in Pakistan 233
Chapter 9 Technological advancement in agro-forestry:
strategy for climate smart agriculture technologies in Sri Lanka 267
Chapter 10 Challenges and way forward of consultative meeting 290

vii
Chapter 1
Technological advancement in agro-forestry systems: Strategy for
climate smart agricultural technologies in SAARC Region
Synthesis
Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung1 and Mr. Karma Jigme Temphel2
1Senior Program Specialist (NRM), SAARC Agriculture Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh,
[email protected]
And
2Participatory Forest Management Specialist, SAARC Forestry Centre, Thimphu, Bhutan,
[email protected]
Background
The integration of trees into agriculture and social landscape is ingrained into the
socio-ecological fabrics of South Asian farming community over centuries. It has
not only displayed the inevitable association between men and forest, but also
truly helped to sustain farming systems in formidable conditions in the region.
The presence of trees in backyard and within the agriculture field is unique in the
farms in South Asia. A dynamic, ecologically based, natural resource
management system that, through the integration of trees on farms and in the
agricultural landscape, diversifies and sustains production for increased social,
economic and environmental benefits for land users at all levels is generally
referred as agro-forestry (ICRAF 1996, FAO, 2008). The management of
complex agroforestry systems is largely dependent on the optimization of both
ecological and social processes (Boni et al., 2004). Among the priority areas to
consider in the practice of agroforestry is the harmonious balance between food
production and environmental protection.
In this context, soil and water conservation is an important strategy for sustainable
crop production and environmental conservation. According to Dennis Garrity
(1993), assortment of agroforestry systems has evolved in response to pressure of
population on land, technological options and market changes. Traditional
knowledge on integration of trees in the farm is so rich in the SAARC Region. All
the eight SAARC Member States cover wide range of agro ecological zones, and
people have been practicing trees in farm for generations. Agro-forestry is
therefore seen as a means of not only improving people‟s livelihoods through the
supply of fruits, timber, fodder and fertilizer and therefore higher incomes, but
also in stabilizing erosion, replenishing soils, storing carbon and enhancing on-
farm biodiversity. In the present day context, contribution of agroforestry to the
mitigation of climate change (through carbon sequestration) is of particular
relevance at present as countries attempt to negotiate a mechanism for reducing
emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). With the increased
engagement of people in forestry management through participatory forestry
management strategies, the role of people in developing and applying REDD+
mechanisms has become fundamental. In view of the dynamic socio-ecological
interaction and benefits offered by agroforestry, it can be a basis for evolving
climate smart agricultural technologies that is able to fulfill the social, economic
and environmental benefits for land users at all levels. Agro-forestry is emerging
as an enduring technology with ability to help socio-ecological systems develop
resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.
Agroforestry is a holistic land use approach in which woody perennials are
combined on the same land management unit with herbaceous crops and/or
animals, either in the same form of spatial arrangement or temporal sequence.
When woody perennials interact positively with food crop farming and/or
livestock production and improve the overall performance of the farm enterprise,
it may be called an effective agroforestry. A systems approach to any activity
starts with the concept that everything is connected and a change introduced in
one component will induce a change in other parts of the system. Understanding
the linkages between farming systems and agroforestry is extremely important for
the success of a farming systems approach involving agroforestry as a component
and make climate change resilient. Agroforestry is defined as an efficient,
integrated and sustainable landuse system that combines agricultural crops, forest
corps and/or livestock together on the same unit of farmland at the same time or
in sequential manner. In agroforestry there are both ecological and economical
interactions between various components. It is an approach to alternative landuse
based on deliberate integration of trees with crops and livestock production
systems.
In dry environments, agroforestry systems potentially support livelihood
improvement through simultaneous production of food, fodder and firewood
without much affecting the climate change. Careful selection of species and good
management of trees and crops are needed to optimize the production and positive
effects within the system and to minimize negative competitive effects. It is an
age old concept where trees, crops and animals have traditionally been raised
together on small farms throughout the World. This concept was first practiced in
the temperate zone due to the small family farms size. Integration of activities
takes place in the land used for agriculture, forestry and livestock in such a way to
maximize production of foods and services for diverse requirements of rural
communities. Modern agroforestry establishes a symbiotic relationship among
agricultural crops, tree species and livestock rearing. In other words, these are
complementary and beneficial to each other.

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